1st Pre-draft Workout

[jbeecham]

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/workout_030525.html

Suns Begin Draft Preparations


By Dustin Krugel, Suns.com
Posted: May 25, 2003
Unlike last year when the Suns held two of the first 22 selections in the NBA Draft, this year’s draft prospects aren’t as eager to visit Phoenix, but the Suns welcomed four players in their first pre-draft workout on Sunday.

Xavier power forward David West, Stanford guard Julius Barnes and two Arizona State players, forward Tommy Smith and guard Curtis Millage showcased their skills on the America West Arena practice court. Both West and Smith are considered candidates for the Suns’ 17th selection overall in the 2003 NBA Draft.

“We probably won’t have as many guys work out for us as last year. We had a record number last year (51 players total),” Suns Head Coach Frank Johnson admitted. “Some guys think they are above that. They say, ‘Why am I coming in?’”

West, who is considered a mid-to-late first round pick by most draft experts, said he will limit the number of his workouts to select number of teams.

“My agent doesn’t think I should kill myself going through 10 workouts,” said West, who averaged 20.1 points and 11.8 rebounds during his senior season. “Some guys end up making 10-15 workouts and then they don’t play well.

“(Phoenix) is definitely a team (my agent and I) felt was good to work out for.”

Smith, on the other hand, has scheduled several workouts with NBA teams. Smith, who averaged 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds during his senior season in Tempe, has been a hot commodity since he was a standout at the Portsmouth (Va.) Invitational pre-draft camp in April. The 6-10 forward averaged 17.7 points and six boards in three games.

“I didn’t even know I had this one until a couple of days ago,” said Smith, who has already visited the Grizzlies, Hawks and Timberwolves, and has scheduled more private sessions for the Lakers and Nuggets later this week. “This was supposed to be my day off. I just got in (Saturday). (Monday) I’ll probably find out I have two more workouts (laughs). They just keep popping up.”

Unlike last season when the Suns were expected to draft a power forward with their first pick, No. 9 overall, there is no clear-cut choice this year.

“At 17, you start to look at best available,” Johnson added. “There are some needs we would like to fill, but a lot of times you don’t get those needs at 17. We may get lucky. We are certainly looking at a backup one. Maybe a four-five, who can stretch the defense a little bit and open it up for Amaré (Stoudemire). Maybe a backup three behind Shawn Marion.”

The Suns have more sessions scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 29. Thursday’s workout could include three players projected to go in the first round of the June 26 draft.

 

[Joe Mama]

I really don't like the fact that Johnson mentioned the need for a backup point guard first. As far as I'm concerned that should be the least of their worries. I do like that they are looking for a 4-5 who can stretch the defense though. I think that should be their top priority. There should be some guys available who can do that also.

I wouldn't mind a small forward either, but that is probably the easiest position in the NBA to fill.

Joe Mama

 

[Yuma]

I also don't like this worry about a back up point guard. Isn't that Penny Hardaway? I know we have been playing him at the two part time, but you would think he could handle the six or seven minutes Marbury is out of a game for us. Joe Johnson has run the point some this last season, too. I would put a SF/PF guy first before anything except if they find a diamond in the rough center! Realistically a 3/4 guy is probably the best we are going to get in the draft. Someone versatile enough to spell Amare and Marion.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

I agree, instead of working on a back up one, the coaching staff needs to experiment more with a JJ penny back court so marbury can sit. I think thei rproblem with it is the lack of aggressiveness from both players typically on the offensive end. It completely alters how the offense is run, which I could see causing confusion for an inexperienced team.

In all reality Joe, we can just ignore what FJ says. The C's said when they hired FJ that they were not going to let the coaches make so many decisions like they had in the past. So just look at who BC brought in for the first workout, that is how I am going to guage what they are really looking to fill. I like that West had us on the short list of teams to work out for, and I do like the idea of at least bringing smith in to look at him. I have confidence in Bryan, he hasnt had a bad draft in his career.

 

[carey]

What if?

What if *knock on wood* Marbury gets hurt and has to go on the IR for an extended period of time? Maybe even the season? Can Penny handle the point all season long, or even for a stretch of 20 games? I don't think his knees are up for that sort of playing time.

As it is uncertain wether or not we will be keeping Randy Brown, I don't think a backup PG would be such a bad idea. I guess if the above scenario does happen we can try and snatch a proven ball handler in the FA market.

Just a thought.

 

[Chaplin]

Re: What if?

Originally posted by carey


Just a thought.

What if the entire Suns team gets in a plane crash and DIES? What would we do then?

Just a thought.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by Chaplin
What if the entire Suns team gets in a plane crash and DIES? What would we do then?

Just a thought.

ROFL

 

[JCSunsfan]

Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by Chaplin
What if the entire Suns team gets in a plane crash and DIES? What would we do then?

Just a thought.

We did lose our starting center this way once. . . Northwest Airlines flight #251 bound for Detroit, I believe.

 

[Chaplin]

Re: Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by JCSunsfan
We did lose our starting center this way once. . . Northwest Airlines flight #251 bound for Detroit, I believe.

Man, lighten up fellas!

The point IS, you don't make a #17 draft pick based on the fact that MAYBE your point guard might be out for the season. That's ridiculous.

 

[Joe Mama]

I'm not suggesting that the Phoenix Suns should go into next season without a backup point guard other than the Hardaway/Johnson Tandem. I'm just saying I don't want them to spend the 17th pick on one.

Now if by some miracle Kirk Heinrich or the Barberosa kid from Brazil is available I wouldn't mind taking one of them. Of course if the kid from Brazil is as good as they say he will go much earlier. If he's not come I'm not sure why the Phoenix Suns would take him. I just do not want them to reach, and I don't want Luke Ridnauer. He reminds me too much of Dan Dickau.

Joe Mama

 

[JCSunsfan]

Re: Re: Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by Chaplin
Man, lighten up fellas!

The point IS, you don't make a #17 draft pick based on the fact that MAYBE your point guard might be out for the season. That's ridiculous.

I don't think it is ridiculous. You have depth in case of injuries. This team could use depth at every position, with maybe te exception of the 2 and the 5, and with those positions, we need to improve our starters (either by the development of our young players, or adding starter quality players into the mix).

If a quality pg is available at #17. The Suns never seem to have enough quality pgs.

Didn't we have KJ, JK, and Nash on the roster at the same time once?

 

[Chaplin]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by JCSunsfan
I don't think it is ridiculous. You have depth in case of injuries. This team could use depth at every position, with maybe te exception of the 2 and the 5, and with those positions, we need to improve our starters (either by the development of our young players, or adding starter quality players into the mix).

If a quality pg is available at #17. The Suns never seem to have enough quality pgs.

Didn't we have KJ, JK, and Nash on the roster at the same time once?

Tell me something then. Was backup PG our main problem this past season?

Nuff said.

 

[slinslin]

It was one of our main problems last season.

If you haven't noticed check out how many minutes Marbury had to play. Out offense normally went down the toilet when Marbury was on the bench for any extended amount of time.

 

[Joe Mama]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: What if?

Originally posted by Chaplin
Tell me something then. Was backup PG our main problem this past season?

Nuff said.

Actually it was one of the problems. They ran Marbury and Marion into the ground last season because usually when they were out of the game the team struggled.

I think the bottom line is that the Suns have enough needs to take the best player available regardless of position. That includes shooting guard. It's true the Suns do have three shooting guards, but none of them shoot from outside very well. Hardaway can play some of his time as a backup point guard and Johnson could spend some of his time at point guard or small forward.

I have a hard time believing the best player available will be a point guard however.

Joe Mama

 

[hcsilla]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
I just do not want them to reach, and I don't want Luke Ridnauer. He reminds me too much of Dan Dickau.

Joe Mama

Yes, Ridnour's play is similar to Dickau's but Ridnour is bigger and a better playmaker IMO.
Plus he played for a better team.I think that Ridnour will become a decent pro.

If Suns wants to take a backup PG at #17 then take Chris Thomas!
I really like him.

 

[Charles V]

What if the entire Suns team gets in a plane crash and DIES? What would we do then?

Just a thought.

I saw a movie that was sort-of like that. Yuk.

That said, I agree. While we do need a backup point guard, I want the Suns to pick the best player available. If worse comes to worst, a back-up PG wouldnt be too hard to pick up via free-agency.

 

[jbeecham]

Why would we tell people exactly what we are looking for anyways? You can't believe half the stuff the Suns are going to say in pre-draft talks. Last year they had a lot of people believing they were interested in Jared Jeffries.

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by hcsilla
Yes, Ridnour's play is similar to Dickau's but Ridnour is bigger and a better playmaker IMO.
Plus he played for a better team.I think that Ridnour will become a decent pro.

If Suns wants to take a backup PG at #17 then take Chris Thomas!
I really like him.

Chris Thomas would be a huge reach at #17. Now if they could somehow acquire a second-round draft pick that wouldn't be a bad move.

Joe Mama